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Updated: Jul 19, 2025
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Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
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The Single Leg Bridge Test does not replace handheld dynamometer hamstring tests in a clinical setting.
Bruno de Quadros Robaina1, Diulian Muniz Medeiros1, Lucas de Souza Roberti1
1Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Summary
The Single Leg Bridge Test (SLBT) shows poor correlation with handheld dynamometer (HHD) hamstring strength tests. Clinicians should use SLBT complementarily with HHD for a fuller assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- The Single Leg Bridge Test (SLBT) is a functional assessment for hamstring strength.
- Handheld dynamometry (HHD) provides objective measures of isometric hamstring strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between Single Leg Bridge Test (SLBT) scores and maximal isometric hamstring strength measured by handheld dynamometer (HHD).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in a physical therapy clinic.
- Fifty healthy, physically active men participated.
- Correlation analysis was performed between SLBT repetitions and HHD force measurements in three different hamstring testing positions.
Main Results:
- SLBT scores demonstrated a weak association with HHD test results in the prone position (r=0.246 for mean, r=0.321 for peak).
- No significant correlations were found between SLBT scores and HHD tests in supine or SLBT-similar positions.
- Between-limb asymmetry in SLBT was not correlated with HHD asymmetry.
Conclusions:
- The Single Leg Bridge Test (SLBT) should not substitute handheld dynamometer (HHD) hamstring strength tests.
- Clinicians are advised to use SLBT as a complementary tool alongside HHD for a comprehensive evaluation of hamstring functional status.
